Miss World 2013 contest axes bikinis for Muslim Indonesia

Miss World contestants will not be wearing bikinis in this year's parade in a bid to avoid causing offence in host country Indonesia, organisers have confirmed.

The 137 women, who are taking part in this year's pageant will swap bikinis for a more conservative attire, like traditional sarongs, for the beach fashion section, News.com.au reported.

Miss World Organisation chairwoman Julia Morley has said that nonoe of the contestants will wear a bikini, as she doesn't wish to upset or get anyone in a situation where they are being disrespectful.

The pageant, to be held in Bali and Bogor in September just outside Jakarta, has already stirred controversy, with the nation's top Muslim clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council , having called for its cancellation.